Wagner-Peyser Act
Deaf and Hard of Hearing PY 25-26
Award List and Project Summaries
On October 3, 2025, $2,699,862.11 of Wagner-Peyser 10% Governor’s Discretionary funds were awarded to five organizations under the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program Year 2025-26 (PY 25-26) Solicitation for Proposals. Awardees and project summaries are listed below. Funding decisions are final.
Award List
Applicant Name | Counties Served | Award |
|---|---|---|
Preserving the Culture For All | San Diego | $426,850.00 |
NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, Sutter, and Yolo. | $305,581.92 |
Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness Inc. | Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino. | $1,401,493.68 |
Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency (DCARA) | Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. | $454,955.51 |
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center | Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, San Benito, and Tulare. | $110,981.00 |
Project Summaries
Applicant
Preserving the Culture for All
814 Morena Blvd. Ste 204
San Diego, CA 92110
Contact
Award
$426,850.00
Counties to be Served
San Diego
Key Partners
Self Determined Futures (San Diego)
Project Description
Preserving the Culture for All (PTCFA) proposes to build upon our five years of dedicated service to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the San Diego region through comprehensive employment services that address the unique cultural and communication needs of this underserved population. Our organization will provide culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate employment services that prioritize the individual's preferred mode of communication while emphasizing self-determination, independence, and decision-making skills.
PTCFA specializes in serving Black and Brown deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who face compounded barriers due to intersectional identities. Our program will offer complete communication services, including on-demand professional interpreter services with RID certification, for all employment-related activities. Our services include specialized job development tailored to each client's unique skills and communication preferences, advocacy to ensure equal access to public and private employment services, employment counseling, including peer counseling by deaf and hard-of-hearing staff, and comprehensive follow-up support after placement to ensure sustainable employment outcomes.
With five years of established relationships with employers and community partners in the San Diego region, PTCFA has developed effective strategies to connect deaf and hard-of-hearing job seekers with inclusive employment opportunities while educating employers about appropriate accommodations. Our project emphasizes long-term career development rather than just job placement, focusing on industries with growth potential and advancement opportunities. PTCFA's staff includes deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals who serve as role models and provide culturally competent services across diverse communication methods, including American Sign Language, tactile signing, cued speech, and written communication.
Outreach Plan for Targeted Populations to be Served
PTCFA will implement a multifaceted outreach strategy specifically designed to reach deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities who are typically underrepresented in traditional service models. Our approach includes partnering with cultural centers, religious institutions, and community organizations serving these populations to conduct targeted outreach sessions in accessible formats. We will host monthly community information sessions at various locations throughout San Diego County, with professional interpreters and multilingual materials available.
Digital outreach will include ASL video content on social media platforms frequented by deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, with particular emphasis on platforms popular within BIPOC communities. Our website and all digital materials will be fully accessible and available in multiple languages, reflecting the diversity of San Diego County. We will also implement a peer ambassador program, where current and former clients share their experiences and refer others to our services, creating a trusted referral network within these communities.
PTCFA will continue our partnerships with educational institutions, including community colleges and adult education programs, to identify potential clients transitioning from education to employment. Our staff will maintain a regular presence at community events serving Black and Brown communities, disability resource fairs, and cultural celebrations to connect directly with potential clients and their families. Additionally, we will work with healthcare providers and social service agencies to establish referral pathways for individuals who may benefit from our specialized employment services.
Proposed Outcomes
Our performance goals reflect our commitment to job placement, career development, and communication access. We will achieve these goals through a structured implementation approach that begins with intensive staff training and community partner coordination during the first 30 days, followed by participant recruitment and assessment in months 2-3 and service delivery beginning in month 3.
Our targeted outreach will ensure enrollment of 75 participants, with 55 completing job readiness training and 55 securing employment that aligns with their skills and communication preferences. Key milestones include establishing partnerships with up to 5-10 new employers committed to hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, expanding our network of specialized interpreters for technical fields, and creating ASL-accessible training materials for five high-demand occupations.
The anticipated impact extends beyond employment numbers. Participants will demonstrate increased self-efficacy, with 85% reporting improved ability to advocate for workplace accommodations. We expect 65% of participants to report reduced reliance on public benefits and increased financial independence, with a particular focus on housing security.
Employment outcomes will emphasize quality over quantity. Based on our previous placement data, we project that 50% of participants will secure positions paying at least $18/hour with benefits, exceeding minimum wage by at least 30%. Industries of focus include healthcare support roles, government services, manufacturing, and technology support—sectors we've identified as both communication-friendly and offering advancement pathways.
Long-term retention will be ensured through our post-placement support model, which includes monthly check-ins for the first six months, on-call communication assistance for workplace challenges, and quarterly professional development sessions. This approach has previously yielded 75% retention at 12 months, compared to 52% before implementing this support system. Additionally, our employer education program creates lasting change in workplace cultures, benefiting future deaf employees beyond our direct clients.
These outcomes will contribute to meaningful change in the workforce system by creating more inclusive pathways for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, particularly those from Black and Brown communities. They will also demonstrate the value of culturally responsive employment services that honor individual communication preferences and self-determination.